Simon & Garfunkel Albums in Order: Simon & Garfunkel, the iconic American folk-rock duo, defined the 1960s with their soulful harmonies and poetic lyrics. From the haunting strains of “The Sound of Silence” to the uplifting “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” their music resonates with generations. This guide to Simon & Garfunkel albums in order offers a chronological journey through their discography, perfect for longtime fans, new listeners, or music historians exploring their legacy. With five studio albums that shaped folk-rock, their work earned seven Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Expect detailed insights into each album’s release dates, key tracks, and cultural impact, celebrating the duo’s timeless contribution to music.
Brief History of Simon & Garfunkel
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel met in 1953 in Queens, New York, bonding over their love for music and the Everly Brothers. As teenagers, under the name Tom & Jerry, they scored a minor hit with “Hey Schoolgirl” in 1957. By 1963, they reunited as Simon & Garfunkel, signing with Columbia Records. Their breakthrough came with the 1965 remix of “The Sound of Silence,” topping the Billboard Hot 100. The Simon & Garfunkel discography blends folk, rock, and introspective lyricism, earning them a spot among the decade’s best-selling acts. Despite their 1970 breakup, their influence endures, with over 100 million records sold and iconic performances like the 1981 Central Park concert.
All Simon & Garfunkel Albums Available on: Apple Music
Also Read: Bob Dylan Albums in Order
Simon & Garfunkel Albums List in Order
1. Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964)
- Overview: Simon & Garfunkel’s debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., is a raw, acoustic folk record reflecting the Greenwich Village folk revival. Recorded in three sessions, it features five original songs by Paul Simon, alongside traditional folk covers. The album’s earnest, stripped-down sound introduced their signature harmonies but initially sold only 3,000 copies.
- Key Tracks: “The Sounds of Silence,” “He Was My Brother,” “Bleecker Street”
- Notable Facts: Produced by Tom Wilson, the album’s initial failure led Simon to pursue a solo career in England. A 1965 remix of “The Sound of Silence” with electric instrumentation became a chart-topping hit, reviving interest in the album, which later peaked at #30 on the Billboard Top LPs.
- Impact: This album laid the foundation for the Simon & Garfunkel discography, showcasing Paul Simon’s songwriting talent and their harmonic chemistry, setting the stage for their folk-rock evolution.
2. Sounds of Silence (1966)
- Overview: Capitalizing on the success of “The Sound of Silence,” Sounds of Silence was rush-released to meet demand. The album blends re-recorded tracks from Paul Simon’s solo The Paul Simon Songbook with new material, marking a shift toward folk-rock with electric guitars and a rhythm section.
- Key Tracks: “The Sound of Silence,” “I Am a Rock,” “Homeward Bound”
- Notable Facts: Peaking at #21 on the Billboard Top LPs, the album sold over a million copies, driven by the chart-topping single “The Sound of Silence.” It marked Simon & Garfunkel’s mainstream breakthrough, with college campus tours boosting their popularity.
- Impact: A pivotal entry in the Simon & Garfunkel albums list, it established their folk-rock sound and lyrical depth, resonating with a generation navigating social change.
3. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966)
- Overview: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme reflects greater creative control, with Simon & Garfunkel co-producing alongside Roy Halee. The album blends poetic lyricism with intricate arrangements, incorporating traditional folk influences and experimental touches like layered harmonies.
- Key Tracks: “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” “Homeward Bound,” “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)”
- Notable Facts: The album reached #4 on the Billboard Top LPs and was certified triple platinum. The duo’s meticulous nine-month recording process highlighted their perfectionism, with “Scarborough Fair” showcasing their innovative production.
- Impact: This album solidified Simon & Garfunkel’s reputation as folk-rock pioneers, expanding the genre’s boundaries and cementing their place in the Simon & Garfunkel albums by release date.
4. Bookends (1968)
- Overview: Bookends is a concept album exploring themes of youth, aging, and American life. Recorded over two years, it features polished production with strings, brass, and percussion. Its release coincided with The Graduate soundtrack, amplifying the duo’s fame.
- Key Tracks: “Mrs. Robinson,” “A Hazy Shade of Winter,” “America”
- Notable Facts: The album hit #1 on the Billboard Top LPs for seven weeks and was certified double platinum. “Mrs. Robinson” won two Grammy Awards (Record of the Year and Best Contemporary Pop Performance). Its release followed the Monterey Pop Festival, aligning them with the 1960s counterculture.
- Impact: A cornerstone of the Simon & Garfunkel discography, Bookends showcased their artistic maturity and cultural relevance, bridging folk and rock with introspective storytelling.
5. Bridge over Troubled Water (1970)
- Overview: Simon & Garfunkel’s final studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, is a masterpiece blending gospel, rock, and folk. Recorded amid personal tensions, it features lush production and Garfunkel’s soaring vocals, particularly on the title track.
- Key Tracks: “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Boxer,” “Cecilia”
- Notable Facts: The album topped charts in 10 countries, including the US and UK, and sold over 25 million copies worldwide. It won six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The title track was a global #1 hit, covered by artists like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
- Impact: The pinnacle of Simon & Garfunkel music, this album marked their commercial and artistic peak, leaving a lasting legacy despite their breakup shortly after its release.
How many albums does Simon & Garfunkel Have?
Simon & Garfunkel was an American singer-songwriter duo that has released five studio albums, thirteen compilation albums, four live albums, one extended play, twenty-six singles, one soundtrack, and four box sets since 1964.
All Simon & Garfunkel Albums in Order of Release Date
Studio albums:
1. Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. — October 19, 1964
2. Sounds of Silence — January 17, 1966
3. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme — October 24, 1966
4. Bookends — April 3, 1968
5. Bridge over Troubled Water — January 26, 1970
Live albums:
1. The Concert in Central Park — February 16, 1982
2. Live from New York City, 1967 — 16 July 2002
3. Old Friends: Live on Stage — December 7, 2004
4. Live 1969 — 25 March 2008
Soundtracks:
1. The Graduate — January 21, 1968
Compilation albums:
1. The Hit Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel — 1966
2. Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits — June 14, 1972
3. The Simon and Garfunkel Collection — November 1981
4. 20 Greatest Hits — August 3, 1991
5. The Definitive Simon & Garfunkel — November 18, 1991
6. The Best of Simon & Garfunkel — November 16, 1999
7. Two Can Dream Alone — 2000
8. Tales from New York: The Very Best of Simon & Garfunkel — March 28, 2000
9. Tom & Jerry — 2002
10. The Essential Simon & Garfunkel — October 14, 2003
11. Before the Fame — November 18, 2003
12. Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel — August 1, 2006
13. America: The Simon and Garfunkel Collection — June 2, 2008
Box sets:
1. Collected Works — 1981
2. Old Friends — November 4, 1997
3. The Columbia Studio Recordings (1964–1970) — August 21, 2001
4. The Collection: Simon & Garfunkel — November 26, 2007
5. Simon & Garfunkel: The Complete Albums Collection — November 24, 2014
Video albums:
1. The Concert in Central Park — February 21, 1982
2. Old Friends: Live on Stage — December 7, 2004
Evolution of Their Sound
The Simon & Garfunkel albums list traces a remarkable evolution from raw folk to sophisticated folk-rock. Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. embraced traditional folk, while Sounds of Silence introduced electric instrumentation, aligning with the 1960s folk-rock boom. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme refined their harmonies and production, blending traditional and original songs. Bookends ventured into conceptual storytelling with richer arrangements, and Bridge Over Troubled Water incorporated gospel and Latin influences, showcasing a “voracious musical vocabulary” (Pitchfork). This progression reflects Paul Simon’s growing songwriting prowess and the duo’s innovative collaboration with producer Roy Halee.
Why Their Albums Still Matter
Simon & Garfunkel’s music remains timeless, with lyrics that capture universal themes of love, alienation, and hope. Their Simon & Garfunkel discography influenced artists like Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver, while songs like “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” are cultural touchstones. Their albums, ranked among Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest, offer a gateway to the 1960s folk revival. Exploring Simon & Garfunkel albums in order reveals their artistic journey, making them essential listening for anyone seeking emotional depth and musical innovation.
Conclusion:
Discovering Simon & Garfunkel albums in order unveils a journey from humble folk beginnings to global stardom. Each album, from Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. to Bridge Over Troubled Water, captures a moment in their storied career, blending poetic lyrics with unforgettable melodies. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to their music, this guide invites you to explore their discography and appreciate their lasting impact. Which album is your favorite? Share in the comments below, and check out our guide to the best folk-rock artists for more musical inspiration!
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